Column: Everything you ever wanted to know about Rotary (mostly)

By way of introduction, we are the Rotary Club of Sudbury Sunrisers. We are part of a worldwide organization of more than 34,000 clubs made up of individuals who channel their passions into social causes that change lives and improve communities.

The Rotary Club of Sudbury Sunrisers is part of a worldwide organization of more than 34,000 clubs made up of individuals who channel their passions into social causes that change lives and improve communities.

By way of introduction, we are the Rotary Club of Sudbury Sunrisers. We are part of a worldwide organization of more than 34,000 clubs made up of individuals who channel their passions into social causes that change lives and improve communities.

Over the coming months, we will share with you who we are, what Rotary is all about and highlight some of the work we do in the community.

For Rotarians, it's all about service. In fact, the club creed, the motto we live by, is “Service Above Self.”

In addition to our creed, Rotarians practice what we call the “Four-Way Test.” The test, a series of four questions, helps ensure that decisions we make and projects we undertake match the message of the creed. We try every day to live by the standards set down by Rotary.

At its core, Rotary is an international humanitarian service organization. Members are business and professional leaders who volunteer their expertise, compassion and influence to improve communities at home and around the world.

For instance, the club has made it its mission to eradicate polio worldwide.

In collaboration with the World health Organization, UNICEF, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and national governments around the world, we are close to making polio the second disease (after smallpox) that humanity has eradicated.

But we, in the Sunrisers, don't just use our money to help people around the world; we take on international works as part of our commitment to Rotary. Members have travelled to many different countries to lend their time and talents to people in people in developing nations.

And we also pitch in right here at home. Locally, the Sunrisers have raised thousands of dollars for a myriad of community initiatives, from raising funds for cancer research to rolling up our sleeves with Pastor René and the good folks at the Elgin St. Mission.

At Christmas, we have filled baby cribs for the Infant Food Bank.

Along with our sister club, the Rotary Club of Sudbury, Rotary Park was initiated and developed. This picturesque jewel of wetlands and forested areas is nestled between Adanac Ski Hill and the Mountain Street area, providing scenic lookouts and walkways where people enjoy the beauty of nature.

Rotary is also about fellowship and fun, about doing good things for the community, in the company of really good people.

Under the direction of our current president, Sue Lekun, and her executive, we have an exciting year ahead of us.

On Sept. 13, we have the Rotary Park Walk and Run Fun Day (and corn roast) in partnership with the Rotary Club of Sudbury. For information or to register, visit rotaryclubofsudbury.com.

Our signature event, Vive Le Vin, invites you to the Radisson Hotel on Nov. 28 to discover the glory of wine.

There will be more information forthcoming on these and other events.

We invite those who would like to experience Rotary firsthand to come and share the experience. Meet with us at 7:30 a.m. for breakfast at the Radison Hotel on St. Anne’s Road and consider becoming a Rotarian. Come, have fun and watch the sun rise with us.

Taking the test

Rotary Club's across the globe do their work under the club creed of “Service Above Self,” but they also use what's called the “Four-Way Test,” a series of questions to determine if projects or decisions live up to the creed.

1. Is it the truth?2. Is it fair to all concerned?3. Will it build goodwill and better friendships?4. Will it be beneficial to all concerned?

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